The quantitative changes of peripheral leukocyte counts in patients treated with radiation therapy

Most people are aware that leukocytes are reduced as a result of radiation therapy, and many chemical protectors are given to prevent leukopenia in radiation clinics. We studied the peripheral leukocyte counts of 100 patients treated with radiation from 1986 to 1988. Leukocytes were reduced during radiation therapy, but the decrease was not significant, the leukocyte counts fell below 3000/μl in only 6 patients. In only 1 patient was the leukocyte counts reduced to below 2000/μl by radiation. The results of this study indicate that adequate criteria for estimation of the effects of chemical protectors are needed in radiation therapy. (author)